Young Guru Disputes Damon Dash's Allegation That JAY-Z Stole Songs From Artists

Young Guru, the acclaimed audio engineer, has vehemently refuted Damon Dash's recent claims that JAY-Z stole songs from other artists during their time at Roc-A-Fella Records. Dash, in an airing of grievances on X (formerly Twitter), asserted that JAY-Z had a pattern of appropriating hit records after their popularity peaked, a claim Guru has categorically denied.

In response to a clip where Dash aired these accusations, Young Guru clarified the origins of classic JAY-Z tracks, such as the 2000 hit:

""I Just Wanna Love U (Give It 2 Me)" and the 1998 Rush Hour soundtrack cut "Can I Get A...". "

- Young Guru

Guru dismissed Dash's narrative, providing details on how JAY-Z directly collaborated with Pharrell on "I Just Wanna Love U," using Sparks' reference to Rick James as an element of inspiration. Regarding "Can I Get A...," Guru emphasized that it was Irv Gotti's idea, with the directive for JAY-Z to contribute while keeping Ja Rule on the record.

Addressing another alleged instance of song theft, Guru explained the backstory of JAY-Z's freestyle to Joe Budden's 2003 single "Pump It Up." Contrary to claims, Guru clarified that the freestyle was meant for a mixtape, a common practice at the time where artists rapped over popular beats. He dispelled the notion that JAY-Z passed on the beat, highlighting how Roc-A-Fella producer Just Blaze provided it to Budden for his debut.

Damon Dash's recent appearance on The Gauds Show, where he defended Cam'ron's decision to remove JAY-Z's verse from "Oh Boy," fueled the ongoing debate. Dash claimed that JAY-Z had a history of taking over hit records and performing them as if he was the original artist. Dash cited instances like Ja Rule's "Can I Get A..." and Sparks' "I Just Wanna Love U," asserting that JAY-Z's involvement transformed them into his records, labeling it as a form of extortion.

Young Guru's response provides a counter-narrative, shedding light on the collaborative and creative processes behind JAY-Z's iconic songs. His insights aim to debunk Dash's claims and offer a more nuanced perspective on JAY-Z's contributions to the music industry.

Young Guru's detailed response challenges Damon Dash's accusations, emphasizing the collaborative and creative nature of JAY-Z's song-making process and dispelling claims of song theft. The intricate history behind each track adds depth to the ongoing debate surrounding JAY-Z's artistic influence.